If you are interested in graphic design, you might have come across the phrase “Graphic Design Is My Passion” on the internet. This phrase has become a popular meme that is often used to mock bad or amateurish examples of graphic design. But where did this meme come from, and what does it mean? How has it affected the graphic design community, and how do designers use it in their work? In this article, we will explore the origins and evolution of the “Graphic Design Is My Passion” meme, and its meaning, usage, and impact on the graphic design community.
Origin of the Meme
The “Graphic Design Is My Passion” meme originated from Tumblr, a social media platform that allows users to create and share various types of content, such as text, images, videos, and audio. According to Know Your Meme, a website that documents internet memes and viral phenomena, the meme was first posted on Tumblr on July 7, 2014, by a user named Yungterra. The post featured an image of a green cartoon frog with a blue background, and the phrase “Graphic Design Is My Passion” written in the Papyrus typeface. The Papyrus typeface is a widely criticized font that is often associated with low-quality or unprofessional graphic design. The post received over 197,000 notes (likes and reblogs) on Tumblr, and became an instant hit.
The meme quickly spread to other social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and Pinterest. Many users created their own versions of the meme, using different images and fonts, but keeping the same phrase. Some users also modified the phrase to suit their own interests or professions, such as “Music Is My Passion”, “Writing Is My Passion”, or “Cooking Is My Passion”. The meme became a way to express one’s passion for something, while also making fun of the poor quality or lack of skill in the graphic design.
Meaning and Usage of the Meme
The “Graphic Design Is My Passion” meme is a sarcastic and humorous way to comment on bad or amateurish examples of graphic design. The meme implies that the person who created the graphic design is either unaware of or indifferent to the principles and standards of good graphic design, such as typography, color, layout, and composition. The meme also suggests that the person is overconfident or pretentious about their graphic design skills, and claims to be passionate about something that they are not good at.
The meme is often used to mock or criticize graphic design that is considered ugly, outdated, inappropriate, or unoriginal. For example, the meme can be used to make fun of graphic design that uses clichéd or overused fonts, such as Comic Sans, Papyrus, or Curlz MT. The meme can also be used to ridicule graphic design that uses inappropriate or mismatched colors, images, or elements, such as a rainbow gradient, a clip art, or a watermark. The meme can also be used to tease graphic design that is poorly executed or formatted, such as a pixelated image, a distorted text, or a misaligned layout.
The meme is not only used to comment on graphic design, but also on other types of visual or creative content, such as logos, posters, flyers, banners, websites, videos, or memes. The meme can be used to point out the flaws or mistakes in these types of content, or to compare them with better or more professional examples. The meme can also be used to express one’s opinion or preference on these types of content, or to joke about one’s own skills or taste in graphic design.
The meme is not limited to online platforms, but also appears in offline contexts, such as merchandise, art, or events. Many products, such as t-shirts, mugs, stickers, or posters, feature the meme or variations of it, either as a parody or as a statement. Some artists, such as Radahl, have created artworks that incorporate or reference the meme, either as a critique or as a tribute. Some events, such as Watch Them Live, have used the meme as a theme or a title, either as a joke or as a challenge.
Impact on the Graphic Design Community
The “Graphic Design Is My Passion” meme has had a significant impact on the graphic design community. It symbolizes the creativity and passion that designers bring to their work, while also serving as a self-deprecating reminder of the pitfalls of the profession.
Designers have embraced the meme, using it to poke fun at themselves and their profession. It serves as a reminder that while graphic design is a serious profession, it’s also important to maintain a sense of humor and not take oneself too seriously.
The meme has fostered creativity and created a sense of camaraderie among fellow designers. It has become an endless source of inspiration, leading to clever remixes and satirical reinterpretations.
Moreover, the meme has drawn attention to the true art of graphic design and teased those designers who took their jobs too seriously. It has become a symbol of the many mediocre designs out there, from hobbyist graphic designers who use paint, word, or other free tools to make graphic design edits.
Conclusion
The “Graphic Design Is My Passion” meme, born from a single Tumblr post, has grown into a cultural phenomenon within the graphic design community and beyond. Its origin, meaning, usage, and impact highlight the power of humor and internet culture in shaping perceptions of professions like graphic design.
The meme serves as a testament to the creativity and passion inherent in the graphic design profession, while also reminding us of the importance of maintaining high design standards. As it continues to evolve and inspire, one thing is clear: “Graphic Design Is My Passion” is more than just a meme—it’s a statement that resonates with designers and non-designers alike.